Thailand hosts IOC working group, reaffirms readiness for Youth Olympic Games 2030 bid
Thailand hosted an IOC delegation in late April to demonstrate its readiness to host the 2030 Youth Olympic Games, with plans centered on Bangkok and featuring compact, youth-focused venues across the capital and Chonburi province.
BANGKOK — The Thai government has welcomed members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Youth Olympic Games (YOG) 2030 Working Group during an official visit to Bangkok from 28–30 April, as the country pushes forward its bid to host the Youth Olympic Games in 2030.
The delegation was led by Danka Hrbékova, an IOC member and chair of the working group. Thai authorities said the visit marked a "significant step forward" in demonstrating the country's readiness.
The bid is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Sports Authority of Thailand and the National Olympic Committee of Thailand.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said Thailand's bid reflects a broader ambition to position the country as a global hub for sport, youth development and international events.
"Thailand has a strong and proven track record in staging international sporting events, supported by quality infrastructure and close collaboration across all sectors," he said. "Hosting the Youth Olympic Games 2030 will create lasting value for our people, economy and global standing."
Officials said the three-day programme included inspections of key venues in Bangkok and Chonburi, covering main stadiums, indoor arenas, training centres and coastal competition sites.
Dr. Meechai Inwood, deputy governor of SAT, said the visit allowed Thailand to showcase its capabilities not only in infrastructure but also in event management, logistics and coordination.
"Our readiness goes beyond venues, encompassing transport systems, medical and sports science services, security, technology and overall operations to ensure seamless delivery of a global multi-sport event," he said.
Associate Professor Pimol Srivikorn, president of NOCT, said the visit provided an opportunity to present Thailand's preparedness across all key areas, including accommodation, workforce planning and sustainable event operations.
Thailand's bid is guided by the vision "Inspiring Youth, Connecting South East Asia & Asia", with a focus on delivering a compact, efficient and youth-centred Games aligned with the IOC's Olympic Agenda 2020+5.
Bangkok is proposed as the host city, with plans to integrate sport, education and culture into a modern urban experience for young athletes. The concept emphasises compact venues, strong links with youth communities and regional engagement.
Key venues inspected in Bangkok included Rajamangala National Stadium, proposed for the opening and closing ceremonies, along with multiple competition and training facilities. The delegation also visited sites in Chonburi, including coastal venues and sports complexes.
Thailand is one of three shortlisted candidates to host the 2030 Youth Olympic Games, alongside Asunción and Santiago.
The IOC is expected to announce the host city in June.
